Gladiolus (Gladiolus aurantiacus)
Care, watering, light and tips for Gladiolus on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Iridaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Gladiolus
Gladiolus aurantiacus, locally known as isihlanzi, is a gladiolus species native to South Africa, remarkable for its vibrant, intense orange flowers that bloom in spikes. This perennial bulbous plant grows between 40 and 80 cm tall, making it ideal for adding an exotic splash of color to flowerbeds, borders, or as a cut flower in arrangements.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal flowering and well-drained soil, preferably sandy with some organic matter. Water regularly during the growing and flowering period, reducing watering once the leaves begin to yellow. A common mistake is waterlogging, which can lead to corm rot; ensure the soil dries out slightly between waterings.
How to save a dying Gladiolus
- Warning signs
- Yellow or brown, wilted leaves, soft stems, poor or no flowering. Soft or moldy corm. Plant leaning or falling.
- First aid
- Check the corm, remove soft or rotten parts with a clean knife. Replant in fresh, well-draining soil. Water only if soil is dry.
- What kills it
- Overwatering that rots the corm. Also lack of light or heavy soils without proper drainage are fatal.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the corm still has firm, healthy parts. Act quickly at the first signs of rot.